While many Chabad-affiliated rabbonim signed the agreement between the chassidus and the IDF, it appears protestors have decided to concentrate their efforts against Kiryat Gat Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Moshe Havlin Shlita. A number of protests have been held at his home in the past two weeks, including one in which some two dozen sikrikim entered the rav’s home and created a ruckus. Three people have been arrested, arraigned and released on bail, but the protests are continuing.
The latest protest took place on Thursday afternoon 12 Elul, once again outside the rabbi’s home. Police detained 17 protestors who gathered illegally outside the rabbi’s home. At the time of this report police are working to identify the detainees, who in the past have refused to cooperate with authorities. Police explain they respect one’s right to protest but this must be done legally and there will be no tolerance for illegal activities.
Following the first protest the rabbi spoke to the media. The rav, who is in his 60s, explained he has been in the predominately non-frum community for decades and Baruch Hashem, there is a harmonious relationship between the religious and non-religious residents. He lamented the fact that two dozen chareidi-appearing protestors violently entered his home and their actions not only led to concern among his neighbors but caused a profound Chilul Hashem. Rabbi Havlin explained that he neighbors cannot understand how people dressed like rabbis can act in such a fashion, in total disregard for him and his rebitzen.
Rebitzen Havlin was hospitalized for observation following the trauma suffered when the sikrikim broke into their home.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
It is a shame that these ‘sikrikim’ can bother a rav in Israel and still be honored in their community.
Something is wrong in a frum community that supports this type of hoodlum actions. Klal Yisroel should protest against violence against rabbonim even if they believe their p’sok halacha is not in keeping with their own.